From Hero to Zero
Szoboszlai’s Stunning Goal and Red Card vs. Man City
Author: Sergio | Updated: 09.02.2026. | Reading time: 5 min | ✅
From Heaven to Hell: Szoboszlai Scores a Screamer, Then Sees Red in City Clash
While Dominik Szoboszlai looked like the hero for much of the match thanks to a brilliant free-kick goal, Liverpool ultimately fell 1–2 to Manchester City in a dramatic finish. The Hungarian midfielder was sent off in the final moments, but surprisingly, even the opposing stars came to his defense after the whistle.
Liverpool suffered a historic defeat in the Super Sunday clash of Premier League Matchday 25: for the first time in 90 years, the "Reds" lost both league games in a single season to their regional rivals, Manchester City. However, the match will remain memorable not just for the result, but for the rollercoaster performance of Hungarian national team captain, Dominik Szoboszlai.
A Perfect Goal and a Dramatic Twist
In the second half, Szoboszlai gave the home side the lead with an incredible free-kick, a strike that earned him "Man of the Match" ratings from several outlets. The joy was short-lived, however, as City quickly equalized through Bernardo Silva. Then, in stoppage time, the nightmare for Liverpool truly began.
The most controversial moment occurred in the final seconds. Erling Haaland was breaking toward the goal on a promising counter-attack when Szoboszlai pulled back the Norwegian striker. The referee had no choice but to show the red card to the Hungarian. This was Szoboszlai's first dismissal in England—his last red card came during his time at RB Leipzig against Köln.
Even the Opponents Disputed the Red Card
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City figures took the Hungarian player's side after the match. Erling Haaland, who is known to maintain a close friendship with Szoboszlai, spoke sportingly about the incident:
"I felt sorry that he was punished like that. They should have just given the goal and not the red card. That's the rule, that's how it is," said the Norwegian goal-machine.
City manager Pep Guardiola also spoke highly of the Hungarian midfielder, stating he would have preferred to focus on the play rather than the penalty:
"Dominik Szoboszlai is a fantastic player; he scored an amazing goal. The scuffle at the end? I told the referee: just give the goal and let everyone go home."
Arne Slot: "He should have let him score"
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot evaluated the situation with a hint of bitterness but realism. In his view, it might have been wiser for Szoboszlai to let Haaland through to avoid the suspension.
"Perhaps he should have let Haaland score. The Sunderland manager is the one truly happy about this red card," Slot remarked, referring to their next opponent.
The coach also pointed out a perceived double standard, complaining that Marc Guéhi escaped a similar punishment on the other side when Mohamed Salah was about to break clean through on goal.
What's Next for Szoboszlai?
Reports suggest the Hungarian midfielder will only have to miss one match, as his foul was a tactical one and did not endanger his opponent's physical safety. Consequently, Szoboszlai will rest during the midweek away match against Sunderland but will be eligible to return to the Anfield pitch this Saturday against Brighton.